The Russians had hoped Switzerland would remain a “haven for Russian business – legal or not”, Boris Bondarev said in an interviewExternal link with Le Temps newspaper on Wednesday. “It was very naive, but that’s really how it happened.”
Bondarev resigned in May in protest at Russia’s war in Ukraine. He is currently in Switzerland.
He also said Russia’s strategy in the war was to wait for the West to get tired. “Moscow will ensure that Europe freezes this winter. To the point where public opinion puts pressure on politicians to demand that Ukraine negotiate with Russia,” he said.
Last week Russia rejected a protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine, saying Switzerland was no longer neutral.
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Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
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Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
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Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Swiss pharma firm Roche, has dismissed fears that sales targets would be under threat by US tariffs.
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Researchers are asking the Swiss public for help in naming two newly discovered Swiss fish species of the genus Barbatula.
Science alliance warns against Swiss government’s cost-cutting plans
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An alliance of research and science institutions have warned of dire consequences if the Swiss government goes ahead with its austerity package.
Accidents during leisure time on the rise in Switzerland
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IN 2024 more people had accidents during leisure time than in the previous year. Some 26% of all sports accidents happened playing football.
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Apple's iPhones have gained further market share in Switzerland. Around half of all smartphone owners used a model from the US tech giant last year.
Switzerland receives poor marks in fight against public sector corruption
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Switzerland is not improving in the fight against corruption according to the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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Russian diplomat in Switzerland resigns over invasion of Ukraine
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A Russian diplomat in Geneva has said he is leaving his post because of his disagreement with Moscow. He hopes the Swiss government will help him.
Switzerland takes over EU sanctions on Russian gold
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Switzerland, a major gold-refining hub, has followed the EU in banning Russian gold as part of new sanctions due to the war in Ukraine.
Swiss adopt Russian oil ban and other sanctions over Ukraine war
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The Swiss government has adopted the latest set of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.
Stay or go? The dilemma of Swiss companies in Russia
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Caught between potential damage to their image and having their businesses confiscated, Swiss firms active in Russia have a tough choice.
Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
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Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.